The Bus Services Act 2017 was introduced in a bid to combat the perceived challenges faced by the bus industry following deregulation in the 1980s and to allow some local authorities greater control over the bus services being operated in their area.

Two new operating models were introduced: franchising and enhanced partnerships (EPs).

This webinar will explore the opportuities and challenges inherent in both approaches.

Chair: Neill Birch, Projects Director, SYSTRA

Speakers: 

Matthew Goggins, Assistant Director for Bus, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority

Context

In March 2021, the Government launched Bus Back Better: England National Bus Strategy, with local authorities requited to submit a Bus Service Improvement Plan to receive funding, with outcomes released in April 2022.

In May 2023, funding for Bus Service Improvement Plan Plus (BSIP+) and Bus Service Operators Grant Plus (BSOG+) schemes was announced. The £300 million of funding has been allocated to directly supporting bus services in England via the government’s longer-term approach. The Bus Fare Cap Grant – which will receive £200 million from the government’s £500 million package – will run to 30 November 2024, albeit with the cap rising to £2.50 from 1 November 2023.

Register here